Portimão Paradise: A Birthday Journey of Love and Adventure with Grace
Portimão, Portugal wrapped us in five unforgettable days of sunshine, sea breeze and birthday celebrations with Grace – from lazy
beach afternoons and seafood feasts to wandering colourful old streets and chasing adventure along the Algarve coast.
Five days in sun-soaked Portimão
Portimão, Portugal, embraced us with its warm embrace for five unforgettable days. From the moment we arrived, the azure skies and gentle ocean breeze whispered promises of adventure and relaxation, and Grace and I wandered through narrow cobblestone streets adorned with colourful bougainvillea, each turn revealing another hidden gem of this charming coastal town. The weather, oh, the weather! It seemed as if the sun was perpetually smiling upon us, casting its golden glow over the sandy beaches where we whiled away lazy afternoons, soaking up the warmth and listening to the rhythmic lull of the waves. It wasn’t just the sun that delighted our senses; the cuisine of Portimão tantalised our taste buds with fresh seafood delights and traditional Portuguese dishes bursting with flavour – from grilled sardines to creamy pastéis de nata, every meal felt like a little celebration. We also fell for the old-style towns, each one a testament to Portugal’s rich history and culture, with whitewashed buildings dressed in azulejo tiles, ancient churches and lively squares where locals chatted over strong coffee. In Portimão, time seemed to slow down, letting us savour every moment of our birthday getaway; it was a place where love blossomed amidst sun-kissed landscapes and the timeless charm of old-world streets.
Where we stayed: Água Hotels Riverside
Staying at Água Hotels Riverside in Portimão was an experience beyond compare. From the moment we stepped into our room we were greeted by a breathtaking view over the old town and the serene river meeting the sea, which turned into a shimmer of lights once night fell. My birthday was an unforgettable highlight, complete with surprise room-service cake and a bottle of prosecco to toast the day. Between dips in the pool, slow moments in the spa and sauna, and long looks out over the water, the hotel became a little sanctuary of relaxation away from the Portuguese heat. If I had to offer one tiny critique, it’s that as someone who enjoys a bit of self-catering I missed having a chopping board and a few basic utensils in the room – but that small detail did very little to detract from a stay filled with love, luxury and memories we’ll treasure.
Algarve Cave Captain boat tour
Picture this: the sun painting golden strokes across the endless canvas of the Algarve coastline as Grace surprises me with the Algarve Cave Captain boat tour on 11.09.2023. As we boarded the boat, excitement danced in her eyes and the guides, full of charm and wit, whisked us along dramatic cliffs and into echoing sea caves while sharing stories from Portimão’s past. Somewhere along the way we slipped into a cave that’s famous for featuring as a Windows 10 background – stepping inside felt like walking straight into a desktop wallpaper. We were splashed now and then by playful waves, but each droplet just added to the rush of being out on the ocean, and when the breeze turned chilly the crew handed out blankets so we could snuggle in and keep watching the coastline roll by. A word to the wise: bring sunglasses to shield your eyes from the salty spray unless you fancy an impromptu underwater-style experience. Despite the occasional salty surprise, the Algarve Cave Captain tour was an absolute must-do, blending history, adventure and romance into one unforgettable outing – you can even book the same tour here.
Top spots in this area
A few favourites from our birthday escape to Portimão – places we’d happily go back to again and again.
Água Hotels Riverside
Best for: river views and slow, cosy evenings
A calm base just outside the buzz of town, with a pool, spa and huge views over the river meeting the sea. Perfect if you want easy access to Portimão while still feeling like you’ve escaped. We booked our stay via Booking.com.
Algarve Cave Captain
Best for: caves, cliffs and a salty hair day
A small-group boat tour that glides past towering cliffs and into famous sea caves, including one that starred in a Windows 10 background. Expect a bit of spray, big smiles and plenty of photo stops. You can check out the tours over at Algarve Cave Captain.
Map & getting around
Portimão is easy to explore on foot, by boat and by short drives along the Algarve coast. Use the map below to get a feel for where everything sits.
